Alma may see the end of used clothing drop boxes

Alma’s Planning Commission came up with a proposed ordinance to regulate those used clothing drop boxes scattered about the city.

For the ordinance to become law, it needs the Alma City Commission’s approval.

The plan was created following complaints that some of the groups are deceptive, claiming to be non-profits, but they are instead for-profit businesses that may or may not donate a small portion of the income to charities.

Residents may believe they are donating their used clothing locally, to Goodwill or the Salvation Army or the Office of Human Services in St. Louis, as examples. But donation boxes put out by Planet Aid, USAgain, Community Patriots to name three, have come under criticism since they are, for the most part, for-profit businesses. The clothing is sent out of the community to be resold elsewhere, sometimes by the pound to be turned into rags.

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The city’s planning commission proposed that any company wishing to place a bin or box for used clothing in the city must apply for a permit.

In order to get the permit, the organization or company must prove that it is a 501C3 charity. Furthermore, the box must be located at a charitable facility, such as the Salvation Army, said Alma’s Assistant City Manager Aeric Ripley.

Commissioner Larry Mott said that the Office of Human services has found that their donations of used clothing has decreased significantly since the boxes appeared.

And, noting the difficulty the Gratiot Salvation Army had at one time with it’s second hand clothing store, Commissioner Roger Allman said the organization was inundated with junk, items that were not useable.

It cost more to haul the junk away than the store was making, he said.

The boxes could also become magnets for junk, turning into eyesores and worse.

Commissioner Greg Mapes, however, said he was against the proposed ordinance.

“This is an education, not a legislative fix,” he said. “I should have a right to put a collection box on my property. I want to make those choices. I think we’re getting carried away with legislation.”

Making it clear that he found the boxes “hideous,” he still maintained that people should have the right to put boxes on their property without seeking a permit. Once people learn that these boxes collect clothing that is taken out of the community, they will lose donations.

It appears however, that the rest of the commission does not agree.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the proposed ordinance was simply in the first phase of the process. It was introduced to the board. The vote that would or would not pass it into law will come later.

For the introduction, the vote was six to one in favor of the ordinance.

Mapes voted no.

In other matters, the city commission appointed Don Ayers to take over the seat vacated by Justin Shattuck. Ayers’ term as commissioner ended in December, but following Shattuck’s departure, he told the board he would be willing to serve two more years.

Commissioner Mel Nyman was again elected mayor and Mapes was again elected vice mayor.

About the Author

Linda Gittleman’s alma mater is Western Michigan University where she majored in speech and English and her hometown is Alma. She’s worked at the Morning Sun's Alma office for more than 20 years. Reach the author at lgittleman@michigannewspapers.com
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